PRESS RELEASE
Glasgow News 1
To raise awareness about the importance of safe digging, Atmos Energy celebrates 811 Day annually on Aug. 11 as a reminder for everyone to help protect underground utility lines by calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project, no matter how large or small.
Effective damage prevention helps to avoid or minimize harm to people, property, and the environment by proactively identifying potential risks and implementing solutions to prevent incidents before they occur. Calling 811 is a critical component of damage prevention efforts that confirms digging projects are conducted safely and without disrupting essential utility services.
“Striking even a single line can lead to injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and fines,” said Kay Coomes, Atmos Energy public affairs manager. “Utility lines must be properly located and marked even when digging just a few inches or in a location that was previously marked. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, and laying a patio are just a few examples of common digging projects that should only be done after calling 811.”
Kentucky law requires homeowners, excavation companies, and contractors to call 811 three business days before digging. When using this free service, the caller is connected to a local call center that notifies area utility companies of the location where digging will occur. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit Kentucky 811 or the Atmos Energy website for safety tips – and don’t forget to become a safety ambassador by signing the Call 811 Pledge.
